Why Manchester United are better off without Hakan Calhanoglu
According to The Sun, Manchester United could be set to lose out on the signing of Hakan Calhanoglu. It was reported earlier that United were very close to signing the midfielder on a free transfer next summer. However, AC Milan have offered him a new lucrative deal that could see him stay at the club.
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Born in Manheim, Germany, Calhanoglu started his journey with his hometown club before joining Karlsruher SC’s U17 squad. He then went on to win the German third-tier title with the latter and earned a move to Hamburger SV, for whom he made 38 appearances.
He came to prominence at Bayer Leverkusen, where he spent three years and made 115 appearances. In the summer of 2017, he made the jump to Milan and has established himself as a key member of the squad.
He has racked up good numbers for the Rossoneri during his spell there. In 147 appearances for them, he has scored 28 and assisted another 42. He has also been capped 52 times by Turkey so far, with him scoring 11 goals.
Manchester United can afford to pass up Calhanoglu
While Calhanoglu is a tremendous player to have in your ranks, Manchester United clearly don’t need him at this point. The club are overstocked in the midfield to the point that new signing Donny Van De Beek is warming the benches.
The Turkish playmaker mostly plays in an attacking midfield role, which is currently occupied by Bruno Fernandes. There are pretty much zero chances that someone can oust the mercurial Portuguese playmaker from that spot given how much he has contributed to the team.
Adding another attacking midfielder means that it will just add to the long line of central attacking midfielders already at the club. There are the likes of Paul Pogba, Donny Van De Beek, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard waiting in line.
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With all due respect to Calhanoglu’s talents, he would have been surplus to requirements if United did end up striking a deal. Sure he can play on the wings and a variety of other positions but unless he magically conjures up the ability to play on the right wing, there is no point for Manchester United in spending money on Hakan Calhanoglu. In a way, AC Milan are doing Manchester United a favour by offering the player a new contract.
